Five things to watch: Huskies at Fighting Illini

September 13, 2013

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3. Can Bishop Sankey continue to carry the load?
Against Boise State, Sankey was downright dominant, picking up the tough yards inside early before gashing the Broncos with big gainers in the second half. He finished with 161 and two scores on 25 carries, and firmly cemented himself as one of the Pac-12’s top backs.
As we said earlier, the Illini’s opponents have had to get away from the rush early on in both of their contests, and the stats back that up. Illinois is No. 31 in the country in run defense, giving up a mere 107 yards per game on the ground.
If the Huskies keep the game close or jump out to a lead themselves, look for them to give Sankey a lot of work and test just how good that Illini run defense front really is.

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

4of7

3. Can Bishop Sankey continue to carry the load?
Against Boise State, Sankey was downright dominant, picking up the tough yards inside early before gashing the Broncos with big gainers in the second half. He finished with 161 and two scores on 25 carries, and firmly cemented himself as one of the Pac-12’s top backs.
As we said earlier, the Illini’s opponents have had to get away from the rush early on in both of their contests, and the stats back that up. Illinois is No. 31 in the country in run defense, giving up a mere 107 yards per game on the ground.
If the Huskies keep the game close or jump out to a lead themselves, look for them to give Sankey a lot of work and test just how good that Illini run defense front really is.